Select Security earned SSI's Installer of the Year Award by achieving record growth while revamping its operating platforms, improving efficiencies and rolling out new services.

During 2013, Select Security not only grew its revenue and customer base ($12 million, 15,000+), but also took major strides overhauling its operations and customer support structure. The firm transitioned to new enterprise resource planning, sales force automation and monitoring platforms.

Security Resource

Like a choice cut of prime beef that has been carefully aged, seasoned just right and cooked to savory perfection, during the course of 10 years Select Security has combined all the essential ingredients to become one of the industry’s most delectable dealer companies. The master “chef” behind it all is Select Founder and CEO Patrick Egan, an SSI Industry Hall of Famer whose insatiable appetite to compete and succeed has resulted in his business being served up the just desserts of SSI’s 2014 Installer of the Year (Small to Midsize Company, 150 or fewer employees).

“Working with the Select Security team day in and out, I know how much their hard work and dedication deserved to be recognized outside of the company,” says Egan. “While everyone was absolutely delighted and surprised when they received the news that the industry had recognized their efforts, it also served to further the passion we have for delivering exceptional protection and service.”

During 2013, Select Security not only grew its revenue and customer base ($12 million, 15,000+), but also took major strides overhauling its operations and customer support structure. The firm transitioned to new enterprise resource planning, sales force automation and monitoring platforms. One result of that undertaking is automated instant communications sent to customers based on key sync events in the installation and service process.

Other highlights of Select’s year included implementing training and skill evaluation tools to ensure techs deliver the best service, and revamping its Web site to optimize its utility. In the community, a fire tragedy spurred the company to fund raise and donate hundreds of smoke detectors. Let’s take a closer look at how Select Security delivered such a full and satisfying menu.

Customers Enjoy Latest Tools

“In a marketplace crowded with competition, we’ve differentiated ourselves through the higher level of service and customer attention we provide,” says Select Security President Steve Firestone.

Ensuring that statement soars above hyperbole is the company’s infrastructure investment that allows management to understand customers with fine granularity. Each department, from accounting to customer service and beyond, is empowered with the knowledge and tools necessary to provide a first-class customer experience.

Select’s customer care department is cross-trained and reps are assigned according to their specialized disciplines and territories. In addition to telephone support, they also provide online guidance through E-mail and a planned online chat service was in development at press time. The company uses technology from Sedona Office, WeSuite and Bold Manitou to leverage customer information into ongoing relationships.

“This past year we launched one of the best received service tools we’ve ever had, our automated customer notification service,” says Firestone. “By leveraging our ERP software, along with a host of others, we are able to provide our customers with up-to-date notifications of their service tickets and installation projects. Not only do we send them appointment times and reminders, we also send them information on the technicians who will be servicing them, including photos.”

The company has also implemented an automated survey program that proactively reaches out to customers immediately following each installation and service job. The short surveys evaluate salespeople and technicians on both their hard and soft skills, as well as the customer’s satisfaction with the company as a whole. Results are sent directly to regional general managers who provide either deserving praise or immediate resolution when a problem arises.

The company also holds weekly customer experience evaluation meetings involving representatives from each department. The objective is to take an honest look at successes, and discuss areas with room for improvement and creating a plan to course correct. According to Firestone, it’s all part of Select’s comprehensive and unique blend.

Article Topics

About the Author

Scott Goldfine
Scott Goldfine is Editor-in-Chief and Associate Publisher of Security Sales & Integration, directing all editorial aspects of the magazine brand in print, electronically, online and in person. The voluminous, innovative and award-winning body of work he has distinguished himself with since joining the publication in 1998 includes groundbreaking research, landmark features, leadership roundtables, high profile case studies, and many industry exclusives. Well versed in the technical and business aspects of electronic security (video surveillance, access control, systems integration, intrusion detection, fire/life safety), Goldfine is a nationally known figure in demand as an industry presenter and subject matter expert to mainstream media. He is responsible for developing many unique products and programs, including the SSI Industry Hall of Fame, Control Panel (industry’s first E-mail newsletter), Police Dispatch Quality (PDQ), Marketing Marvel, Installers of the Year, Integrated Installation of the Year, Security Industry Census, Systems Integration Study, Installation Business Report, Operations & Opportunities Report, Commercial End-User Study and Security’s Fantastic Fleets.
Recognized for his relationship building, integrity and lead-by-example ethic, Goldfine is a solutions-oriented team player who advises and collaborates with industry dealer/integrator, consultant, distributor, central station and manufacturer icons, luminaries and executive business leaders on a daily basis. He is also actively involved in several security events and organizations, including the Electronic Security Association (ESA), Security Industry Association (SIA), Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC), False Alarm Reduction Association (FARA), PSA-Tec, SAMMY Awards, International Security Conference and Exhibition (ISC), Electronic Security Technology Summit (ESTS), Mission 500, Electronic Security Expo (ESX), ASIS Int’l, Honeywell CONNECT and other supplier conventions. Goldfine also serves on several boards, including the CSAA Marketing and Communications Committee and PSA Cybersecurity Advisory Council.
A certified alarm technician, former cable-TV tech, audio company entrepreneur, and lifelong electronics and computers enthusiast, Goldfine graduated with honors from Cal State, Northridge with a management degree in Radio-Television-Film. His professional media endeavors have encompassed magazines, Internet, radio, TV, film, records, teletext and books. Goldfine resides in the Charlotte, N.C., area with his wife, son and three cats.
Contact Scott Goldfine: sgoldfine@ehpub.com